“I’m going to enjoy the festivities,” said the Oklahoma Republican, waiting for Sens. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii), Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Mark Begich (D-Alaska) to deliver their criticism of him for blocking a veterans health bill.

Coburn sat in the front row, catching Democratic aides by surprise as they conferred with press gallery staff then warned their bosses that their chief opponent was waiting for them.

But the Dems didn’t pull their punches.

“This bill, as you know, is being held up by a senator,” Akaka said, as Tester waved at Coburn.

And Begich, avoiding eye contact with Coburn, issued perhaps the harshest criticism, calling out Coburn for “just creating myths” and not offering an alternative proposal.

“The hold is inexcusable.”

Coburn sat quietly, as he waited to have his own news conference criticizing the $3.7 billion bill for not being offset.